Imagine a Christmas Day NBA showdown where records are shattered, ejections fuel the drama, and a superstar delivers a performance for the ages. That’s exactly what unfolded in Denver on December 25, 2025, as Nikola Jokić etched his name into basketball history. But here’s where it gets controversial: Was Jokić’s record-breaking night a testament to his greatness, or did the Timberwolves’ meltdown in overtime hand him the opportunity?
In a thrilling 142-138 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves, Jokić dropped a jaw-dropping 56-point triple-double, including an NBA-record 18 points in overtime. Yes, you read that right—18 points in just five minutes of extra time, surpassing Stephen Curry’s 2016 record of 17 overtime points. To put it in perspective, no player in NBA history, whether in the regular season or playoffs, has ever scored more in overtime. And this is the part most people miss: Jokić did all this while adding 16 rebounds and 15 assists, showcasing his unparalleled all-around dominance.
But the game wasn’t just about Jokić’s heroics. Anthony Edwards of the Timberwolves predicted a big night for himself, telling ESPN, “I’m gonna have 30 points for sure. I might have 40. But it’s gonna be a night.” And he delivered—almost. Edwards poured in 44 points, including a jaw-dropping twisting 3-pointer with 1.1 seconds left in regulation to tie the game at 115. He even led the Wolves on a 9-0 run to start overtime. But then, in a stunning turn of events, Edwards was ejected after picking up two technical fouls for arguing calls. Did Edwards’ ejection cost the Timberwolves the game, or was Jokić’s dominance simply unstoppable?
The Nuggets’ victory was even more impressive considering they were down three starters. Cameron Johnson, who injured his right knee in Dallas just two days prior, joined Aaron Gordon (hamstring) and Christian Braun (ankle) on the sidelines. Yet, Denver found a way to prevail, thanks in part to Jamal Murray’s 35 points and Tim Hardaway Jr.’s 19-point outing in his unexpected start.
By the third quarter, Jokić had secured his 179th career triple-double, just two shy of Oscar Robertson’s second-place spot in NBA history. And in overtime, he was flawless, going 3-for-3 from the field (including 2-for-2 from three-point range) and 10-for-11 from the free-throw line. It was a masterclass in clutch performance.
The Timberwolves, despite Edwards’ heroics, couldn’t close the deal. Now, they’ll look to bounce back when they host the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday. Meanwhile, the Nuggets head to Orlando, riding high on Jokić’s historic night.
So, what do you think? Was Jokić’s record-breaking performance the defining moment, or did Edwards’ ejection shift the game’s momentum? Let us know in the comments—this is one debate that’s sure to spark some heated opinions!
